Walkarounds

[Foul Hook]

Question to the owners or former owners of walk around hulls. At which point does a smaller w/a not make sense? There has to be length of hull that having the walk really cuts into the functionality of the boat.In my case I would use a w/a primarily for fishing but would still like to have the opportunity to use it for "weekending" or "overnighting". I'm not interested in a galley, it seams a head comes with most of these styles. Ideally I think a 23' might make the most sense for me but that's where I begin to wonder if this is to small. And also which makes do you prefer. What does the experience of the board have to say? P.S. I hope this counts as a fishing forum since I did mention the purpose of the vessel! Thanks in advance! F.H.

[seaweed]

I just went from a 21' wa to a 25' cc. The wa had a cuddy and a head. You could barely walk around the boat easily, and my wife and I slept in it a couple of times. She's 4'10" and slept well, I did not. The cc has a head and the more fishing room is a no brainer. It really comes down to needs and I found the cc better for me.
Hope this helps

[fishpro28]

IMO Under 27' makes no sense unless you have kids or want to get out of the weather. I have owned a 21' Trophy WA and a 24' Grady White WA and while they were great, there was no room for weekending. There are trade-offs and you need to figure out which ones you are you willing to live with.

[Detour66]

I own a 07 Trophy Pro 1902 WA.....I love this boat...it's perfect for my needs.
I have no intention of a overnighter but the cabin is good for the kids to play and with a high windshield and full enclosure my crew and I are keep high and dry! 3 people tops are far as fishing is concerned. Now is a great time to get a leftover trophy cause they are selling them at a very discounted price. They are now made by Brunswick and the boat planes easy and ride soft and dry!

Good luck!

Ken

[Capt. Lou]

The best amenities in those smaller WA come in at 26' plus. Look at a few boats Seaswirl & Salifish very nice layouts for their size. I'm looking and have been for several months ,now my big express is sold ,these two impressed me the most for my needs which would be spending some nights comfortably on board and fast runs to the grounds. Also 29' coastal by Wellcraft ,however w/A feature on this boat very narrow,but a very decent riding hull. Nothings perfect these stood out .
I've owned a dozen boats big & small so I looked & copmared from expierance.

[Gerry Zagorski]

In general, if you are looking at ourboard boats, you are going to get a lot more fishing space on an X foot center console then you would on the same size walk around cuddy.

However, not all 25 foot boats are created equal. Many boats built today have the European Swim Platforms and Bow Pultpits molded into the hull and include them in their advertised lenghts. I've been on a few 25s that feel like 21s and 21s that feel like 25s...

Do your homework for sure..... You should consider going to the http://www.jerseyboatexpo.com/ They will have new and used boats on hand and seeing them all in the same place will help you narrow down your search.

[joeya78]

I have a 23 foot hydro sport with the engine on a bracket which gives you a little more boat.I rarely use the front only when anchoring,but there is enough room to walk around it.The cabin has a v birth and small sink,but I only use it for storage of my tackle.I dont think I would go any smaller

[NoWorries]

Budget is the the key. If you've got the money there are alot of good used boats out there. Are you going to trailer or slip and storage, winter/ summer. These are questions that need to be addressed. Small cuddys are basically for storage and a porta potty up to 25' and maybe a few overnighters. A good size liveaboard for weekends depends on marina and or other location for the stay plus comfort requirements. As always "bigger is better" but it takes more $$$. :D

[ila1804]

i have 23ft mako walkaround its 1982 i love it plenty of room can sleep 3people the front of boat has a big bench seat you can fish allaround the boat has 200horse power out board plenty of power its a tank i like the older boats .and great on gas you hafto see what your budget is remember bigger the boat more money it costs to mantain. gas boat slips etc.

[Lonewolf]

I previously owned a 21 foot w/a cuddy and it was way to small for sleeping comfortably.It was difficult to walk to the bow in anything but dead calm seas. A 23 or 25 foot w/a is needed for overnighting and comfort.

[M & J]

I have a 23 Mako walkaround and the cuddy is good for my family. I have 2 young boys and the cuddy has enough room to let them take a nap or use the porta potty. My wife take naps in the cuddy during times in the summer and she is 5'5. I'm 6 1 and the only problem I see with the boat is getting to the bow in bad conditions. Other then that, suits my family fine ( gas,slip,fishing). The boat is a 86 Mako and built like a tank with a 225 Evinrude. Take a few rides on different boats at boat shows and figure out what size you really need! HAve Fun Checking'em out!! Keith

[leftyroc]

I run an 2000 Century 2300. The boat has a deep walkaround (a must with the kids) that allows for easy access all the way around to the bow(like M&J it can be tough in rough conditions). The rear deck area has ample room for 4 adults to fish pretty comfortably, and a bench that can be installed onto the transom for additional seating. The cabin has a sink, a porta potty, storage, and can be configured in a couple different ways to allow for a table or full bedding. I an 6' 3" and can lay comfortably in their with my wife, and son(and can sit up with hitting my head on the cabin). It runs a 225 Yamaha Saltwater Series 2, has long fuel range(135gal), and very good speed. I shopped for a W/A for about a year and I am completely happy as it perfectly fits my needs.:D

[rat"BASS"tard]

I fish a 26 striper with twin 150 on a bracket and its perfect for the family and hardcore fishing with a full transom you don't get wet and has nice high gunnel's for family safety as far a the birth area not a weekender but very functional with a head and a place to lay down for a nap!
as far as C/C go not a big fan of due to the inability to get out of the weather should it ugly (and we all know it can change in a sec.) but they do offer alto more fishing room for more people. I usually fish 4 on my boat an its comfortable Hope this helps .........<*((()))>{

[OFF the SHORE]

Well thought I would throw in my 2 cents... I have owned Cuddy's, (no w/a) Center Consoles an Run Abouts, my present boat is a Wellcraft 210 dual console. This is a GREAT DESIGN... More room than my center console (also a 22' boat) I have a bimini with a full incloseur to keep protected from rough seas and the newer version of my boat scrapped the intergated swim platform for even more room and added a pota-potti in the console. if not looking for a weekender I highly reccommend a dual console. fish 6 guys ez.... seats 8 comfortably and has all the gadgets in a center console live well, fish boxes, tackle tray, ect.